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"You have not lived a perfect day... unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
By Ruth Smeltzer
This quote says it all. And, although I’d like everyday to be a perfect day, it really is hard to find the time to give back, but when you do, the sense of happiness is exhilarating.
This year I made the commitment to volunteer at a local nursing home. I have a passion for helping seniors. Two of my grandparents, who both had Alzheimer’s, spent their last days in nursing homes, out of town, and it was so hard not being able to be close to them. I am forever grateful of the caregivers that made their last days bearable and comfortable.
So, my time is spent with the “Apple Valley Gang”, as I like to refer to them. Marlin, Jean and Nancy are my favorites; however, the whole gang is really an unforgettable bunch. Alzheimer’s is so devastating, yet my gang somehow finds a way to appreciate life even through the shadows of the darkness cast upon their own lives. It’s strange how Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways. Helping the gang eat their lunch and realizing just how fragile they are, always gives me a sense of sadness wondering how one makes the transition from a healthy, vibrant, adult life to one of being completely dependent upon others for simple tasks.
Marlin is as happy as a clam and every time I see him he thinks it’s a wonderful coincidence that we happen to ‘meet again’. He absolutely loves tennis and couldn’t be happier when there is a match on TV. He makes my heart smile.
Jean is a wonderful lady who doesn’t talk to many people. In fact, the first time I met her, I was told not to expect her to talk at all. When you look in her eyes you see this deep, truthful soul that just wants to find a way to express herself. When I get through to her and she utters a few words back to me, I feel alive.
Nancy always has a good story about her youth and her vibrant career as a nurse and she loves taking walks. She may not remember me right away, but when I remind her about the stories she’s told me, it’s an instant connection that we share.
I love my gang and I try not to think about the day that one of them will pass away. I some times wonder why I’m putting myself through what will ultimately be a sorrowful loss, but then I realize, maybe in some way, I can make a few minutes of their life a little bit better.
By Ruth Smeltzer
This quote says it all. And, although I’d like everyday to be a perfect day, it really is hard to find the time to give back, but when you do, the sense of happiness is exhilarating.
This year I made the commitment to volunteer at a local nursing home. I have a passion for helping seniors. Two of my grandparents, who both had Alzheimer’s, spent their last days in nursing homes, out of town, and it was so hard not being able to be close to them. I am forever grateful of the caregivers that made their last days bearable and comfortable.
So, my time is spent with the “Apple Valley Gang”, as I like to refer to them. Marlin, Jean and Nancy are my favorites; however, the whole gang is really an unforgettable bunch. Alzheimer’s is so devastating, yet my gang somehow finds a way to appreciate life even through the shadows of the darkness cast upon their own lives. It’s strange how Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways. Helping the gang eat their lunch and realizing just how fragile they are, always gives me a sense of sadness wondering how one makes the transition from a healthy, vibrant, adult life to one of being completely dependent upon others for simple tasks.
Marlin is as happy as a clam and every time I see him he thinks it’s a wonderful coincidence that we happen to ‘meet again’. He absolutely loves tennis and couldn’t be happier when there is a match on TV. He makes my heart smile.
Jean is a wonderful lady who doesn’t talk to many people. In fact, the first time I met her, I was told not to expect her to talk at all. When you look in her eyes you see this deep, truthful soul that just wants to find a way to express herself. When I get through to her and she utters a few words back to me, I feel alive.
Nancy always has a good story about her youth and her vibrant career as a nurse and she loves taking walks. She may not remember me right away, but when I remind her about the stories she’s told me, it’s an instant connection that we share.
I love my gang and I try not to think about the day that one of them will pass away. I some times wonder why I’m putting myself through what will ultimately be a sorrowful loss, but then I realize, maybe in some way, I can make a few minutes of their life a little bit better.
1 comment:
I am blessed to know that one day, when I'm old and needing a gentle hand, you will be there. The following is a saying I've saved from my grandmother's den. It was there over fifty years ago and is one of my favorites:
"Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and palsied hand.
Blessed are they who know my ears today,
must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.
When my coffee was spilled at the table today, blessed are they who looked away.
Blessed are they with a cherry smile who stop to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say, you've told me that story twice today.
Blessed are they who know the ways to bring back memories of yesterdays.
Blessed are they who make it known that I'm loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who ease the days on my journey home in loving ways.
Love,
Mom
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